Joe Root has praised Stephen Fleming for his efforts to persuade him to return to the role as England’s new Test head coach.
Root, who has returned to the England Test captaincy for the second time in his career, said he was thrilled with Fleming’s vision for the team and feels he and the former England international can make something special. The veteran hitter also feels that he has been better prepared to take on the role since he stepped down as captain in 2022.
Fleming a major reason behind Root’s return
Root acknowledged that Fleming’s appointment played a part in him taking up the captaincy once again. He commended the new coach’s experience as a player and coach and was impressed by Fleming’s knowledge of where England are at and how to take the team forward.
The 35-year-old feels the deal provides England with an opportunity to meld his long international career with Fleming’s coaching experience. Root is now excited to work closely with the former New Zealand captain as England enter a new era in Test cricket.
Root returns with greater experience
Root’s second stint as captain was similar to the first, in that he feels many of the same emotions he did when he first assumed the role in 2017. But, he feels that his international cricket experience has enhanced his leadership qualities and leadership skills.
Root admitted he was not the same captain as the one that resigned in 2022. He has learned from his successes and failures and has gained more knowledge on the way to lead England on the road once more.
He also spoke about the difficulties of leading England in the Covid-19 pandemic. The long period of biosecure, long journeys and pressure of playing against good teams became too much to handle and especially when players had to juggle three formats.
Root now feels he’s in a whole new ball game and is excited and energised to take on the role of captain.
No plans to abandon Stokes-McCullum era
Root has succeeded Ben Stokes as England’s Test captain, but he has said that he does not want to throw out the foundations left by the Stokes-Brendon McCullum era.
Root feels the previous leadership team had changed England’s attitude and helped players to play the game without fear. There was a lot to be learned about how the team was able to share their talent and face challenging moments, he said.
Root does not want to alter the team’s style entirely, but believes England should carry forward the good parts of the last period and be more disciplined and tactical when it needs to be.
England aiming for a more balanced approach
Root feels England can be a more formidable Test side if they can mix their attacking mentality with an awareness of when to press and when to take it.
He hopes the team will be able to play free and be able to see when they need to be patient and make more intelligent decisions. Root says that finding that balance could make England a tough side to beat and break down.
England have started their next chapter with a mix of continuity and change as Fleming takes over as skipper and Root is back at the helm. Root believes the new coaching and leadership duo will be able to take the best of the last four years and improve on the things that need to be done.
